Angie's Answers

I am familiar witht he ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers across the country, in particluar, the one in Overland Park, KS. They are a "one stop" implant center. The doctors there are at the top of their field, and an advantage is that you have all of the specialists that will be working with you in the same place. That would have to make communication easier between doctors. They usually offer seminars for patients and I think, offer free consultations, which is always worthwhile.

If you chose to go the other way, some Prosthodontists will place and restore the implants themselves. In other cases, an Oral Surgeon or Periodontist will place the implant and a Prosthodontist or General Dentist restores it. Fees can vary quite a bit from office to office and with the different options for restorative materials. Some offer free consultations, for others, they charge a fee that might be applied to any future treatment in some cases.

The first step is to schedule a few consultations with different providers, which it sounds like you've already done.

The most important factors when deciding which practitioner to work with::.1. You should feel comfortable asking your doctor any questions so that you have a good understanding of the procedure itself, healing time and long-terem outcome, and possible complications. Write down a list of questions and take them with you to the consultation.

2. Ask about the experience of the practitioner. How many similiar procedures have they completed? Have they had any major complications with any cases? Ask to see photos if possible.

3..Figure out if it works out better for your schedule, to go to a "one stop" provider or to separate providers for the placement and the restoration of the implants.

4. Follow your instincts. If you feel rushed, didn't get direct answers to your questions, didn't communicate well or had any other negative feelings, this probably isn't the doctor for you.

5. Consider insurance coverage and financing options. If your dental plan covers implants and it is important to you to use a preferred provider, you will want to check your list. Many times, insurance does not cover implants, or at least not all of the steps. You may want to inquire about payment and financing options.

I hope this at least helps you feel a little less confused and a little more directed. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of further help.Sincerely,Beth L. Gehring,DDS, PC816 NW VesperBlue Springs, Mo 64015docbeth93@gmail.com

As a Dentist, I am sorry to hear about your denture nightmare and I know how frustrating that can be. I am surprised that your doctor wasn't willing to work with you on some type of solution. A few options would be either remaking the dentures once more, or offering to return some of the money and have you return the dentures. Unfortunately, the doctor has put in a lot of their time and lab expenses, but the patient also has time and money invested. You might try sending a letter re-explaining the problems you hand and offering an acceptible and fair solution. Be sure to keep a copy of it and any correspondence you receive from the Dental Office. In the event that you don't get anywhere, you have documentation of the problem.

At any point in the process, did they have you sign something saying you were happy with the denture set up? Some practitioners will document the patient's acceptance at the try-in appointment, before the denture is processed. At that time, changes in tooth arrangement, size and color can be made with minimal lab expense.

If the letter doesn't get you anywhere, you might try going to the governing body of the dental profession in your area. I am a dentist in Blue Springs, Missouri, USA. Here, we have the Missouri Dental Board (or the Dental Division of the Missouri Department of Professional Registration.) This is the entity that licenses us to perform our professional duties in our state. They often have a process to file complaints against a provider if you were unable to resolve the problem yourself. After your complaint is received, they will contact the doctor to get their side of the story, then try to mediate a solution between the two parties.

As far as a new set of dentures, you might seek out the services of a Prosthodontist (specializes in dentures and removable appliances - extra training and certification beyond general dentistry) or go to a local dental school. The students are supervised and checked off at each step by professionals. Most dental schools also treat patients through their faculty practices, and you can often get the services of a specialist at a lower price.

I hope this information is helpful to your situation, and I wish you well.

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